Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 (UDN): Odisha is set to give a major boost to electric mobility, with plans to expand its public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure through a proposed network of 460 charging stations across urban centres and key highway corridors.
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Under the Centre’s PM E-DRIVE scheme, 170 EV charging stations have already received approval for installation in seven major cities of the state. In a further push, the Odisha government has submitted a proposal for 290 additional charging stations covering 13 cities and important national and state highways.
The proposed locations include Rourkela, Talcher, Sambalpur, Paradip, Barbil, Belpahar, Berhampur, Brajrajnagar, Chhatrapur, Jharsuguda, Joda, Keonjhar and Rajgangpur.
The expansion plan also covers 68 wayside amenity centres under the Tourism Department, besides strategic locations along major highway routes. Particular attention has been given to economically important corridors such as Paradip–Barbil, which connects key industrial and commercial centres.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the central government-supported project. Before the proposed locations receive final approval, a team of experts led by BHEL General Manager J.K. Patnaik will undertake field inspections to evaluate site feasibility, infrastructure requirements and operational suitability.
State plans over 500 additional charging stations
Alongside the PM E-DRIVE initiative, the Odisha Commerce and Transport Department is pursuing a separate plan to establish more than 500 additional EV charging stations across the state.
Bhubaneswar has already emerged as an important centre in this initiative, with 24 charging stations currently operational. The government is also exploring the installation of charging facilities at strategic public locations, including Atal Bus Terminals and truck terminals, to make charging more accessible to private vehicle owners and commercial operators.
EV incentives to support green mobility
Infrastructure expansion is being complemented by financial incentives under the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy, aimed at encouraging consumers to shift from conventional fuel-powered vehicles to electric alternatives.
The coordinated efforts of the Centre and the state government are expected to strengthen Odisha’s EV ecosystem, reduce concerns over charging availability and encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles.
With charging facilities planned across industrial towns, tourism destinations and major transport corridors, Odisha is seeking to make electric mobility more practical and accessible beyond its major urban centres.
The success of the proposed expansion, however, will depend on timely implementation, reliable power supply, appropriate site selection and the operational readiness of the charging stations.